Priyanka rakes up snoop row to target Modi

Targeting BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Wednesday, Priyanka Vadra raised the issue of the alleged illegal surveillance on a woman by the Gujarat government, warning people to beware of political leaders who tap women’s phones.

While she did not name Modi, Priyanka said such leaders should be thrown out. “When they speak of women empowerment, you should ask them specific questions about their plans for you,” she said. “When they refer to women, they refer to them as wife, daughter, mother and sister of someone. I also share these roles in my life, but my real identity is that I am a woman first. You should tell them to recognise you as a woman, as an individual,” she said.

Addressing another gathering in Jagatpur, she continued her attack on Modi, warning people against a “vinashak vichar dhara” (destructive ideology). “There are certain political parties which talk big. They believe in giving all the power to one person. Superficially, it may seem that such people are strong leaders, but this ideology is disastrous for the country,” she said, asking them to understand the “khokhlapan” (hollowness) of such leaders.

Campaigning for her mother, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka said the concept of women’s self help groups was introduced by her brother Rahul. “Do not vote for Rae Bareli or Sonia, vote for this country,” she said.